Fiji has used a major Indo-Pacific defence gathering to strengthen military partnerships, promote Pacific priorities and explore new opportunities for training and cooperation.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai Logavatu attended the 28th Annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, from August 31 to September 2, 2026.

The conference, jointly hosted by the Canadian Armed Forces and the United States Indo-Pacific Command, brought together senior defence leaders and representatives from 29 countries under the theme, “Strengthening Collective Security: Navigating Challenges in a Dynamic Indo-Pacific Landscape.”

For Fiji, the discussions provided an opportunity to highlight the security challenges facing Pacific Island countries while contributing to wider conversations on regional preparedness and cooperation.

Defence leaders discussed issues ranging from strategic competition and emerging technologies to maritime security, climate change, transnational crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The talks also looked at strengthening regional resilience, interoperability and collective preparedness.

During a panel on leadership development and strategic collaboration, Maj Gen Kalouniwai outlined the qualities he believes military leaders need to meet changing security challenges. He pointed to trust, integrity, moral courage, cultural understanding and adaptability, while stressing the need for military leaders to maintain professionalism, respect democratic processes and prepare future leaders for increasingly complex environments.

He also emphasised the role Pacific Island nations continue to play in regional and international security despite their limited resources. Their contributions include climate security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, combating illegal fishing and transnational crime, and supporting United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The conference also created opportunities for Fiji to strengthen bilateral military relationships.

Maj Gen Kalouniwai met with representatives of the Timor-Leste Defence Force to discuss closer cooperation in peacekeeping. The discussions included the possibility of Timorese officers undertaking training at Fiji’s Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp, as well as potential participation with Fiji in future United Nations peacekeeping missions, subject to required national and UN approvals.

The discussions built on the longstanding Fiji-Timor-Leste relationship and Fiji’s contribution to peace and stability in Timor-Leste. Both sides reaffirmed the value of cooperation between small states and their shared commitment to international peace and security.

Engagement with senior Canadian Armed Forces leadership also opened the door to professional development opportunities for RFMF personnel. Canada offered capacity-building initiatives and professional development courses for RFMF officers and non-commissioned officers, an offer welcomed by the Commander.

Maj Gen Kalouniwai said developing RFMF personnel and strengthening institutional links with the Canadian Armed Forces remained important. He also invited Canadian military leaders to Fiji to identify further areas for practical cooperation.

Talks with representatives of the United States National Guard focused on possible cooperation between the RFMF and Nevada National Guard. Areas discussed included cybersecurity capacity-building and support in developing counter-narcotics programmes.

Maj Gen Kalouniwai also acknowledged the Nevada National Guard’s continued support for the RFMF, particularly leadership development initiatives that have helped strengthen the professional and leadership capabilities of non-commissioned officers within the Territorial Force Brigade.

The two sides further explored expanding joint exercises and training, including the possibility of aligning or combining elements of Exercise Cartwheel and Exercise Bougainville. Such cooperation could provide wider training opportunities while strengthening coordination and interoperability between participating forces.

Fiji was also represented at a programme held alongside the Chiefs of Defence Conference for Senior Enlisted Leaders from across the Indo-Pacific.

RFMF Force Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Joeli Rabuli, took part in the programme, which focused on regional professional relationships, military leadership, empowering non-commissioned officers and improving interoperability.

Participants also examined the importance of trust, accountability, cultural awareness and open communication, as well as the role Senior Enlisted Leaders play in turning command intent into effective action.

Fiji’s participation in the conference and its series of bilateral engagements highlights the RFMF’s continued focus on defence diplomacy, professional development and practical partnerships as the region responds to both traditional and emerging security challenges.